THE Unite Union is blaming Warrington council for a fourth phase of bin strike action accusing council leaders of dither and delay with further strike action planned from 21 November until 4 December.
This week a provisional agreement was agreed but the council has not confirmed the proposals in writing meaning Unite cannot consult it members on the proposal.
The 70-plus workers say the national pay offer of a flat rate increase of £1,925 is not good enough. The offer is below the rate of inflation and amounts to a real terms pay cut. However a complete lack of urgency shown by the council towards resolving this dispute is needlessly delaying a resolution.
The third phase of strike action by refuse workers began earlier this week (Wednesday 8 November) and ends on 20 November.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Throughout this dispute, Warrington council has dithered and delayed needlessly dragging this strike out. Unless council leaders sharpen up, this strike will continue into the festive season.
“Unite’s support for our members remains steadfast.”
The national bargaining agreement for local government sets out minimum standards but local authorities can agree to better terms and conditions for workers if they wish to do so.
Unite regional officer, Samantha Marshall said: “Warrington council is failing the workers and failing its residents. These delays are completely unnecessary and the reason why strike action could extend into the Christmas period.
“In the last 10 years, local authority workers have lost a quarter of their real terms incomes because of austerity, pay freezes and the rising cost of living. It is no wonder refuse workers are joining Unite. Our membership has doubled at the Warrington depot.
“The council needs to find a sense of urgency and work with Unite to resolve this dispute.”
Earlier today the council again called on the Union to call off the strike action while talks continue, while Warrington South MP Andy Carter has accused the union of unlawful strike action.
Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “While the national pay dispute has now concluded, we continue to consider and discuss ways that we can bring an end to the strike action in Warrington.
“Importantly, these discussions are with all three of our recognised trade unions and are through existing, formal channels.
“While these discussions continue we ask again for UNITE to cancel their strike action.”
Following the latest strike action notice the council spokesperson added:”“We don’t recognise the claims being made by UNITE about so-called ‘delays’ in discussions, as we have been in several discussions with union officials this week and previously.
“While the national pay dispute has now concluded, with UNITE’s agreement, we continue to look at ways that we can bring an end to the strike action in Warrington.
“A fourth wave of strike action would be entirely unacceptable, disproportionate and continues the disruption to our residents and businesses. We again call on UNITE to cancel their current strike, and any further plans for strike action, while discussions between the council and our recognised trade unions continue in earnest.”
“Warrington council’s lack of urgency is needlessly dragging this strike out.
“Unite’s support for our members remains rock solid. We are not going anywhere so the quicker the council gets its act together the quicker we can end this strike.” @UniteSharon pic.twitter.com/uNODR85nCx
— Unite North West (@Unite_NorthWest) October 27, 2023
6 Comments
From what we now know it is clear that the latest demand for £1000 each non-consolidated was not in the remand at the time of the strike ballot. It would appear that the local branch is adding new demands as they go along which may properly regarded as extra demands after the national agreement, on the basis of which the strike ballot approved action. Given that it is reasonable to believe that the strike is now unlawful and the legal protection offered to strikers is no longer in place.
The £1000 should be paid in the spirit it is demanded as blackmail. The Council should then sue the Unite Union for the full costs, pay, NI and administrative costs since the strike is not protected and their protection is lapsed. If the Council does not pursue it the opposition should bring in up mercilessly at the next election to show the current administration are in the pockets of the unions and cannot be in control of their own finances.
Get them back to work. The union has settled.
This labour council are in a mess themselves with all the spending of constituents money on failed investments.
How can you expect them to sort this local strike situation out ?
I can see alot of labour councillors losing there seats next Spril
Firstly lots of people are worst off due to austerity but as they are not public sector they don’t have much choice in that, all that public sector workers do is inconvenience the general public and this ongoing strike is certainly impacting us so we do not support this continuing strike. Secondly and most importantly as the council are saving money in not paying the strikers the least they could do is get temporary contractors in to take over the job that these strikers aren’t doing.
SACK THEM ALL NOW!
WBC don’t dither when there wasting constituents council tax payments on unrealistic financial investments